Mark Downes whips his way to RiverFest Qualifier win on the Weaver

RiverFest 2018’s third qualifier was held on River Weaver at Northwich. The river was running low, with the slightest of colour in the deeper sections. This made for a match that was dominated by skimmers and some familiar faces found a way to keep them coming.

None more so than overall winner, England U25 Manager, Mark Downes. Drawing peg 45 in C zone, Mark fished a whip to hand in a busy match, which saw him net skimmers, roach and the odd perch to build a match winning weight of 13lb 2oz. Tactics were fluro pinkies over groundbait.

Second on the day was Robert Quinn, from peg 3 in A zone. Robert put together a patient 11lb 2oz which consisted of Skimmers and Eels. Tip and blockend feeder were the tactics, with groundbait and finally maggot hookbaits.

Rounding out the qualifiers was Andrew Murphy from peg 30, in B zone. Andrew put together a cracking bag of skimmers on the long pole for 9lb 15oz and the crucial final spot!

A massive thanks to Mike Scott and the team on the Weaver for a well-run qualifier and to Dave Harrell for his continued hard work in the contest.

RESULT:

1. Mark Downes 13-2-0 (45)

2. Robert Quinn 11-2-0 (3)

3. Steve Hemmingray 10-2-0 (17)

Q. Andrew Murphy 9-15-0 (26)

Qualifiers: Mark Downes, Robert Quinn, Andrew Murphy.

Anglers are reminded that as people qualify their remaining tickets go back into the computerised system for resale. The website is updated with all tickets available every Monday after a qualifier at 1pm.